Sealife DC800 Underwater Camera
Sealife today introduced the DC800 Underwater Digital Camera. The 8MP camera comes equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD display, wide-angle lens, SD/SDHC card support, and 4x optical zoom. What makes this camera cool is that it sports five underwater modes. Priced at $549, the DC800 is able to work perfectly at 200 feet underwater.
(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)
Samsung i100 and i80 Digital Camera VLUU i Series
Samsung Techwin’s launch two new digital cameras Samsung i100 and Samsung i80 which is the i Series Samsung VLUU lineup.
Equipped with a sensor 10.2 megapixel and 3x optical zoom, VLUU i100 comes in your choice of silver, dark gray, brown and red. The adoption of a sensor 8.2M with 3x optical zoom and a target of 3-inch wide-screen LCD, VLUU i80 comes in two different colors, including black and silver.
Targeting a new consumer credit, known as ‘Digital Nomad’, the i80 and VLUU i100 supports multi-function, loading station enables data transmission and charge the battery with USB cable, without an adapter. Other characteristics of two models of digital camcorders, MP3, PMP, the text viewer, voice recorder and more.
The recommended price is 378,000 Korea Won for the Samsung i100 model and 298,000 Korea Won for Samsung i80.
(Via Daily Computer Electronic Cell Phone Digital Camera Review.)
Samsung NV 24HD Premium HD Camera
The NV24HD utilizes H.264 video standard to capture 1280x720 high quality motion pictures at 30 frames per second. The Anynet technology facilitates remote operation of the camera through Samsung DTV remote control for added convenience. The camera offers clearer, high quality output using the Dream Engine, a rapid image correction feature from Samsung. Other features include 6.4cm (2.5 inch) AM OLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) display, Dual Image Stabilization: Optical image stabilization (OIS) and Samsung's digital image stabilization (DIS), ACB (Auto Contrast Balance), face detection feature and self portrait function, Smile & Blink Detection and Red Eye Fix feature.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
The GX-20 generates blur-free, crystal clear images utilizing the OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) with shaking image sensor method. The camera’s advanced dual dust reduction system removes any dust found using two high technologies simultaneously, and prevents unnecessary spots or marks on the picture. Other features include high sensitivity up to ISO 3200, HDR (High Dynamic Range) function, X sync to connect flash drives, one-touch RAW & JPEG conversion button, large 6.86cm (2.7 inch) LCD screen.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
BenQ has unveiled two new models in its C series Camera lineup. These award-winning 7-megapixel BenQ C750 and 8-megapixel BenQ C850 cameras come packed with advanced features offering you a superb photography experience. Designed with an inspiration from the strong and solid characteristics of ore, the C750 digital camera is capable of bringing in the natural emotions and real-life pictures on a single frame.
Sporting 2.5’ LCD display, the C750 digital cameras from BenQ incorporates features like Super Shake Free System, smile Catch Mode and Face Detection. Fitted with 3 x optical zoom, this new camera also features an elegant front to back leather handle. Enjoy recording videos in MJPEG 4 formats with BenQ C750 digital camera.
The C750 is a digital camera that gives you the guarantee of a high ISO support. It has also been awarded for its high functionality and exceptional quality by none other than the Essen Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, the international authority on product, communication and concept design.
BenQ C750 digital camera is expected to hit the market in some selected countries of Asia Pacific and Europe in April 2008.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
BenQ Global unveiled its sensational E800 Digital Camera in the Chinese market. The 8-Mega-Pixel boasts a 2.7 inch High resolution LCD screen to assist you while optimizing the shot. Its powerful CCD image sensor enables 1600 High ISO settings, while the 3x optical zoom combined with 5x of digital zoom delivers graceful, unmatched shots.
BenQ E800 is an affordable, convenient to use entry-level camera with smart features. It's On Device Battery Charging function enables charging through an adapter or an USB connection with PC or NB. Its advanced Face Tracking Function identifies up to 8 faces to provide perfect exposure. Its innovative ‘Smile Catch’ mode captures every smile by automatically shooting in rapid succession. This shooting ends only by pressing the shutter button.
Key Features
The BenQ E800 Digital Camera will be made available worldwide for sale in the end of May.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
BenQ C750 and C850 Digital Cameras
BenQ isn't just content with LCD monitors, TVs and DVD drives, it has also made the jump into the world of digital cameras. This time round, we have the BenQ C850 and C750 that feature 7 megapixels and 8 megapixels, respectively. Shared specifications include :-
Canon's Rebel XSi gets emphatically unboxed
(Via Engadget.)
Sony PMW-EX3 semi-shoulder camcorder with PMW-EX30 deck
Sony expands its line of XDCAM EX™ video products with three products viz. PHU-60K professional hard-disk unit, the PMW-EX30 deck and PMW-EX3 semi-shoulder camcorder. Benefiting existing and new users, the products offer unparalleled production flexibility.
‘Following on from the successful launch of the PMW-EX1 SxS PRO™ solid-state camcorder in Europe, the new products will form part of an extended family of XDCAM EX products based on state of the art ExpressCard technology – the new standard of PC card interface,’ said Bill Drummond, Product Marketing Manager.
While the PMW-EX3 boasts timecode in/out and gen-lock, the PMW-EX30 features a HDMI digital connection. The 1.8’ PHU-60K hard disk unit has 60GB of external storage. So you can record 200 minutes of video at 35Mbps. You can record 100 minutes of full HD 1920 by 1080 video at 35Mbps using the 32GB SxS PRO Memory Card.
Though their prices have been kept hidden yet but these are surely worth buying.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
While the face detection technology controls the focus and exposure, the smile shutter mode of the camera automatically captures smile when it happens. Do not worry about shaky hands clicking you as you can now use Super SteadyShot Optical Image Stabilization. Click pictures even in low light areas with high sensitivity mode. Capable of detecting 5 different scenes, the camera can be set in advanced and auto mode and takes more than one or more pictures respectively.
The simple set up controls and easy shooting mode makes it one versatile device to fall for. The 15MB internal memory lets you store pictures. Keep clicking over the long weekend with Lithium Ion battery. Not only it corrects the red eye but also do the touchups. Keeps you wondering how so many features fit in such a compact device. Keep guessing the price as of now.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Ricoh G600 Point-and-Shoot Gets Tough on Dust
Ricoh will be dropping a rough and tough digital camera this May called the G600 Point-and-Shoot. The G600 Point and Shoot 10-megapiel camera features a 2.7-inch LCD, 28-140mm wide-zoom lens, 5x optical zoom, USB connectivity, ISO 3200 capability and a shock-resistant feature that also repels dust and water. Look for the G600 this May as we said for about £349.99 ($693).
(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)
Fujifilm S1000fd Digital Camera
Fujifilm recently released its latest S Series Finepix model S1000fd Digital Camera in the Korean market. Boasting a 10 MegaPixel 1/2.3’ CCD along with new Fujinon 12x Optical Zoom (33mm-396mm equivalent), the Digital Camera belongs to the elite class. The 1 GB version of Fujifilm S1000fd Digital Camera is expected to be available at 300000 won.
Quick Features:
The Camera needs 4 x AA Alkaline Battery Power to operate. It is great to know that the camera comes equipped with xD / SD / SD-HC Media Compatible Slot. Now you can store and transfer your photos very conveniently.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Nikon D90 and D3x DSLRs Dropping in June? [Rumor]
June is shaping up to be a hot month for DSLRs. Fresh off spotting the 24.4-megapixel D3x lurking in the D3's firmware, whispers out of Japan are that the monolith is due by the second week of June, along with the D90, an update to Nikon's well-loved D80. Pure rumor, but Thom Hogan is symbiotically attached to Nikon equipment, and Photography Bay has a decent BS detector. And the D3x is obviously around. So let's call it 50-50?
(Via Gizmodo.)
Canon added another model to its amazing PowerShot Series that is famous for powerful performance. Priced at $349.99 Canon SD790 IS Digital ELPH Camera offers eye catchy views at 3.0-inch TFT color LCD in style. Adding graces to this 10 Mega Pixel Camera are its bouquet of features.
Among its high-end specifications are Face Detection and Motion Detection Technology promising crisper, clearer and detailed images. The 3x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer along with PureColor LCD II screen lets you capture perfect images at different angles.
The DIGIC III Image Processor produces superior image quality. Canon SD790’s compatibility with PIXMA Photo Printers and SELPHY Compact Photo Printers lets the users easily print the images. You can store your digital content on SD/SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card or HC MMC Plus Card.
Specs:
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Pentax is the Rodney Dangerfield of camera companies—they just don’t get any respect. The fact they operate on a shoestring budget, have recently been taken over by lens-maker Hoya and have as much clout with your local mega-retailer as I do may have something to do with it. Many photographers made their bones with Pentax K series cameras (back in the film days) so there’s a bit of nostalgia for the brand. Most new shooters don’t know Pentax from Pampers. This is too bad because the company makes decent D-SLRs—forget their point-and-shoots since they’re light years behind Canon and Sony. With this sad tale on the counter, DigitalTrends was happy to receive Pentax’s new entry-level D-SLR, the 10.2-megapixel K200D which costs $799 USD with the basic 3x 18-55mm lens--about the going price for an introductory 2008 D-SLR. Yes you can get the older 8MP Canon Rebel XTi and 6MP Nikon D40 for less but why bother when you can a new one with higher resolution? And you know you won’t pay $799 USD—more like $725-- for this kit since Pentax doesn’t have the cachet of the new 12MP Canon XSi, 10MP Nikon D60 or recently reviewed Sony DSLR-A350 . Let’s see if this one gets a little respect or not…
Video: Hands-on Samsung's 10 megapixel / 720p NV24HD shooter
Continue reading Video: Hands-on Samsung's 10 megapixel / 720p NV24HD shooter
(Via Engadget.)
Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8 Waterproof Camcorder
Sanyo today introduced their new Xacti DMX-CA8 camcorder that offers 8MP CMOS sensor, 5x optical Zoom, face Chaser mode that does facial recognition even when underwater, compatible with JIS IPX5 and IPX8 Japanese standard, waterproof up to 1 hour underwater at 1.5m depth, and can record video files in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 60fps in VGA.
(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)
Video: Hands-on Panasonic's DMC-FX500 with 3-inch touchscreen and 720p video
Continue reading Video: Hands-on Panasonic's DMC-FX500 with 3-inch touchscreen and 720p video
(Via Engadget.)
(Via Engadget.)
Panasonic Lumix DM-TZ50 Drops in the States
Panasonic has brought the Lumix DM-TZ50 to the States finally. The DM-TZ50 will come with bonus features such as a T-Mobile HotSpot service and can upload photos directly to Google’s Picasa Web Albums. As a reminder, it features a 9.1-megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens, 720p movie mode, SD expansion slot, video output, red-eye correction, optical image stabilization, the Venus Engine IV and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor. Get yours next month for $450.
(Via TechFresh.net - Cell Phones, Laptops, Video Games, iPods, Cameras.)
It is Great guys..Now you can get GPS facility in your Digital Camera. Altek Taiwan famous ODM/OEM maker of digital cameras recently brought forward a new Camera concept ‘Digital camera with built-in GPS function’.
This Camera is expected to be available in shops during the second quarter of 2008. This camera, whose exact name is unknown, features 8-megapixel resolution and a 3-inch touch screen. The built-in GPS function lets the users automatically record the longitude and latitude of the place snapped.
The information can then be displayed on services like Google Earth, Google Map or Flickr, according to Altek, adding that after downloading a photo containing coordinate data, the camera is capable of providing directions to where its was taken.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
JVC to preview its new camera-mounted media recorder 'MR-HD200U'
LAS VEGAS, USA (AVING Special Report on '2008 NAB SHOW') --
The MR-HD200U records on non-proprietary Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) solid state memory, in a compact unit that can be permanently attached to JVC's ProHD cameras.
A single 16GB SDHC memory card can store 1.6 hours in the 720p mode and approximately 1.2 hours in 1080i mode. The unit also features a built-in hard disk drive (HDD) for extended recording times of up to 10 hours. Recorded image is the same HD broadcast quality, whether recording on solid state memory or the hard disk drive. All..."
(Via AVING WORLD | English.)
Luminous Landscape has posted a review of the strange and enticing Sigma DP1. The high-end compact camera promises a lot, from its large, DSLR sized Fovean image sensor to its fixed 28mm lens, it looked like being the stripped down, high-quality camera we have been wishing for.
The review, though, tells another story. A story of a camera which might have cut it circa 2002AD, but not today. No viewfinder, a maximum aperture of ƒ4 (pathetic for a fixed wide angle lens), a crappy LCD screen, no image stabilization, movies that are 'barely big enough for use on YouTube', some very curious software decisions (everything, including focus-point selection, is buried in a hard to navigate menu) and poor low-light (high ISO) performance. For a $900, this is scandalous.
But does it take a good picture? Apparently, yes:
The raw image quality of the Sigma DP1 is excellent – truly far and away superior to that of any digicam that I have yet seen or used.
Strong praise. The lens, too, is very good – something you would expect of a lens manufacturer. But are great pictures enough? If the camera is so hard to use, will it ever make it out of the camera bag? A single flaw can ruin a great camera. My Canon G9, for instance, takes great pictures and is stunningly easy to use. The tiny viewfinder and shutter lag make it useless for portraits, though. So useless I actually had to buy a DSLR. Maybe we should wait for the DP2. That way we might get a 2008 standard camera, although probably not until 2012.
Is That a DSLR in Your Pocket...?
(Via Gadget Lab.)
RED unveils Scarlet mini camcorder
(Via Engadget.)
Sony's Full HD PMW-EX3 camcorder outed at NAB
(Via Engadget.)
Sony Cyber-shot W120 Digital Camera
W120 features a large 2.5’ TFT LCD display for convenient composition of shots even in a bright sunny afternoon. Its Super SteadyShot® Optical Image Stabilization compensates hand-shakes and camera movement to produce blur-free high resolution images. Its 9 point Auto focus gives you freedom to compose better shots with 9 precession points. Its advanced face detection identifies up to eight human faces to give perfect exposure, reduce red-eye and lets you prioritise different settings for a child or an adult.
Key Functions
• High Sensitivity (ISO 3200) Mode
• Dynamic Range Optimization
• Convenient Photo Modes
• Automatic Macro Shooting
• Smart Zoom® Feature5
• Optical Viewfinder
• 15 MB2 Internal Memory
• Memory Stick Duo™ Media Convenience
• HDTV Compatibility
• 16:9 High-Resolution Mode
• Picture Motion Browser Software
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Pentax launches digital camera Optio V20
Pentax Imaging Company unveils its compact and stylish digital camera Optio V20. Meeting the calls of businesses and consumers, Optio V20 posseses a 3’ LCD monitor and a 5X zoom lens. The durable and reliable camera is surely going to take company's image to a new height with its amazing features.
The easy to use camera boasts, face recognition technology, which detects the face automatically and set an optimized exposure for a bright and clear picture. Not only this, camera with smile capture functionality sense key facial expression, and shutter is released automatically. Get amazing pictures with blink detection technology, which racaptures the image when the subject closes his eyes.
Focus on moving object with its Auto Tracking mode and click the picture from a distance of 4’ without changing the focusing mode, thanks to Auto macro mode. Reasonably priced at US $279.95, Optio V20 will not weigh heavily on your pocket also. So, go home clicking and smiling.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Sony's Pro HD Camera is World First to Get OLED Viewfinder [Oled]
Organic Light Emitting Diodes are getting used in phones, lamps and now the world's first professional camera color OLED viewfinder. The HDVF-EL100 sports an 11-inch screen, and apparently it's Sony's first non-consumer application of the display technology. The 960 x 540 pixel screen's wide acceptance angle and deep contrast is designed to help operators achieve the accurate focussing that HDTV demands. Pro cameramen can expect to get their mitts on the camera later this year.
(Via Gizmodo.)
Sony to show its flagship DSLR 'α900' at P&I 2008
SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on '2008 P&I') --
Sony completed its full line-up of DSLR camera from entry-level model to that of professionals with this α900, a flagship model of the 'α’ brand. Unveiled at PIE(Photo Imaging Expo) 2008 in Japan for the first time, it attracted visitors with its 24.81 megapixel full-frame image sensor.
The company plans to launch the α900 in late this year.
(Via AVING WORLD | English.)
Sony's Alpha A350 DSLR gets reviewed
(Via Engadget.)
Canon's entry-level DSLR 'EOS 450D' displayed at P&I 2008
SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on '2008 P&I') --
The EOS 450D allows you to print out A3 or larger size image by adopting the company’s exclusive 12.2M CMOS sensor. It also adopted 3-inch LCD and SD card.
The new DSLR contains ‘DIGIC III’ image processing engine which reduces noise and boosts color reproduction rate of the images taken. It supports 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point.
Two types of auto focus are available on the camera: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a com..."
(Via AVING WORLD | English.)
AgfaPhoto's DV-5000Z SDHC camcorder shoots 720p
(Via Engadget.)
Panasonic SDR-SW20 Waterproof SD Camcorder
Pansonic offers the SDR-SW20, a compact waterproof SD camcorder. Panasonic SDR-SW20 features a 800k pixel CCD image sensor, 10x optical zoom, Electronic Image Stabilizer and a 2.7-inch LCD widescreen display. The SW20 records video in MPEG-2 format and videos are stored in SD/SDHC cards.
Not only waterproof, SDR-SW20 is also dust and shock resistant. The camcorder is really small measuring 33.8 x 63.4 x 115.4 mm.
(Via iTech News Net.)
Canon Quietly Releases XL H1S and XL H1A, Lowers H1 Series Price [Camcorders]
Today Canon has announced updates to their XL H1 1080i Pro HD camcorder, splitting the line into two offerings: the XL H1S and XL H1A, a more simplistic XL H1A will be offered at a retail price of just $5,999 this July—several thousand less that we saw the original XL H1 priced for. And the H1 classic XL H1S, available this June, will run $8,999.
Updates look to be disappointingly minor, with more studio output options, expanded image control, Speedlite shoe mount, and the ability to record external in XLR mics at the same time. The spec-similar 20X HD zoom lens has also seen an update for improved manual controls/ergonomics. But the biggest component, the three 1/3 inch, 1.67 Megapixel CCD Image Sensors along with Canon's proprietary DIGIC DVII HD Image Processor—seems to be a complete rehash of the XL H1—a camera that's now over two years old.
Oh, and the bonus for forking over $3,000 more for the XL H1S?
'The XL H1S model provides expanded connectivity by incorporating HD-SDI (SMPTE 299M)/SD-SDI (SMPTE272M) output with embedded audio and time code, providing a raw, uncompressed 1.485 Gbps signal for demanding live production environments, SMPTE Time Code input and output terminals, and a Genlock output terminal for multi-camera shooting situations.'
(Via Gizmodo.)
Casio Exilim Z9 Zoom Digital Camera
The new Casio Exilim Z9 stays true to the user-friendly features that have become standard to the Exilim Zoom series.
The large 2.6-inch LCD screen allows users to easily navigate the camera and increasing verification of the images, while 23 Best Shot mode, and the face of detection technology to help users of the high quality of the images without camera Adjust settings.
Casio’s innovative fashion YouTube video capture and collect directly to YouTube and only 3 stages, so the Casio Exilim Z9 perfect for video online. The new Casio Exilim EX-Z9 comes loaded with other useful functions, such as Anti-Shake DSP reduces the photo Wischiwaschi tremors of the hands or moving subjects, which will allow users to draw pictures with ease and confidence.
This new member of the Exilim series features an elegant, lightweight and compact for increased portability, and offers an improvement of 8.1 megapixels with 3x optical zoom. In ‘Easy’, Casio Z9 is on the broad picture in each situation to explore, without preference or accidentally parameter. Casio’s Face Detection Technology maintains a clear concentration and good exposure to the human face.
Casio Exilim EX-Z9 main features
• Stylish, lightweight and compact model 8.1 million pixels and 3-fach Optical Zoom
• Extensive by 2.6 inches wide LCD screen
• 23 Best Shot mode for high-quality images
• Anti Shake DSP to reduce blur photographed shaking hands or moving subjects
• Easy-mode to simplify any adjustments to unit
• Casio’s Face Detection Technology to maintain a strong development
Available in retail trade in March, the Casio Exilim EX-Z9 is in pink, black, orange and silver and has an EIA of $ 159.99.
(Via Daily Computer Electronic Cell Phone Digital Camera Review.)
We pretty much flipped over the Casio EXIFILM PRO EX-F1's insane rapid fire mode when we get our hands on it: 60fps still shooting, and up to a retardiculous 1200fps video for super slo-mo. David Pogue gives the full review, and spends a page lauding how freakin' fast this camera is. Besides loving the sheer rate of fire, he really digs the pre-record mode, which constantly shoots while you're just halfway pressing the shutter, so even if you're too slow to hit just the right moment, the camera's already got it. But! 'Unfortunately, this highly unusual, almost experimental piece of equipment includes nearly as many downsides as breakthroughs.'
The low light performance sucks, courtesy of a tiny light sensor, which is half the size of a beginner's DSLR. So you need brilliant lighting to avoid dim or blurry shots. And Casio's solution of 'one of the brightest and fastest flashes ever on a consumer camera' ain't much of one, unless you're into harshly lit photos.
Topping that bit of suck off, the digital (not optical) eyepiece is crummy, and both start-up and focusing are sloooow. No zooming, during HD video capture either. And high-speed videos offer no sound or any setting changes mid-filming. But overall, Pogue says that those sniggles are 'like complaining that your 7-year-old violin virtuoso is lousy at sports' and that 'Casio deserves congratulations for innovating in so many big, bold, industry-defying ways.' Buy it for speed, not the other stuff.
(Via Gizmodo.)
Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition camcorder
Looking for a compact, slim and light camcorder? Watch out for Sony’s new HDR-TG1 High Definition camcorder with 5.2’ surround sound and 1920 x 1080 full HD recording. Put it in your pocket and capture moments in high definition continuously up to 1 hour 35 min with InfoLITHIUM rechargeable battery.
Shutter speed of 1/2 - 1/960 lets you catch the unexpected moments through Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar Lens. Give a black and white fade or capture pastel or monotone images with it. The 240gm weighing camcorder features dimensions as 32(h) x 119(w) x 63mm(d). Capture even the minutest detail with 120x digital and 10x optical zoom while making a movie.
Select the background scenes like Beach, Snow, Candle, Landscape, Portrait (Soft Portrait), Sunrise & Sunset, Fireworks, Spotlight. Sony HDR-TG1 High Definition camcorder comes equipped with a 4GB memory stick to store as many pictures as you want. Reasonably priced at $1,099.99, it keeps you wondering how such a compact design engulfs in it so many features.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
F100fg inherits numerous notable features including Wide Dynamic Range, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 3.0 technology with Automatic Red Eye Removal and High ISO settings of up to 12800. Other specifications comprise a 12M Super CCD, a Fujinon 5.0x wide angle (28mm equivalent) optical zoom lens and a 2.7-inch high-resolution wide angle view LCD Screen.
(Via Image-Acquire.com.)
Klegg Electronics Genesis V1803 Camcorder reviewed - not so great
This digital camcorder from Klegg is like the Swiss Army knife of digital camcorders. However much like the knife, it can do a lot of things, but isn’t particularly well versed at any one of them. This particular digital camcorder can record video, capture still images, play video games, read ebooks, play music, take voice notes, and can’t manage to do any of them spectacularly.
It has a 5.2 micron CMOS sensor which can be interpolated up to 11MP, 8x digital zoom, a 3’ screen, and 64MB of integrated memory. Then there is an SD/MMC card slot for expansion and you can record in VGA and QVGA at 30fps, then images can be captured at 3840x2880, 2592x1944, or 1600x1200.
File format support includes JPEG, AVI, WAV, and MP3, and you get a Mini USB 2.0 port, TV-in, TV-out, and an earphone jack. All that is packed into a 3.74x2.79x1.34-inch package, it comes with all the cables, a cloth bag, power cable, wrist strap, headphones, and a remote. The picture and video quality are sadly fairly abysmal, but it can play music, movies, and do some gaming on the go, all of which its 3-inch screen is pretty decent at, so, for the PMP functionality alone it is almost worth the $170 price, but for anything camera related your cell phone would probably do better.
(Via SlashGear.)
Panasonic’s lightweight SDR-S7 camcorder announced
Do people still buy standard definition video cameras? Panasonic seems to think so. The company has announced that its pocket-sized SDR-S7 will be arriving in Japan later this month. Weighing only 182grams with its battery and SD card, the camera can record 16:9 or 4:3 video at VGA (640 x 480) resolution in MPEG-2 format. The camcorder can shoot in three video modes: XP (10 Mbps), SP (5 Mbps), and LP (2.5 Mbps). Video recordings are stored via SD cards, with up to 16GB support—allowing up to 13 hours of recorded video in LP mode.' The featherweight SDR-S7 is equipped with a 2.7-inch widescreen display, 10x optical zoom, stereo microphone, 0.6 seconds Quick Start, and USB 2.0 for fast file transferring. Panasonic is touting the camcorder’s 3.8 seconds boot up time and battery life of 70 minutes. Unfortunately, no HD capability is included, which is a bummer. However, if you’re in the market for something entry-level, ultra portable, and compact the SDR-S7 should fit the bill. It even comes conveniently bundled with Panasonic’s MotionSD STUDIO 1.3 video editing software.
The Panasonic SDR-S7 measures 1.61 x 2.32 x 4.01-inches and will come in black or silver. The release date is April 25th in Japan for 44,800 Yen ($440). A US release is expected to follow in May.
(Via Gadgetell.)
Minox DC-8011 packs 8 megapixels into a yawner compact
(Via Engadget.)
Canon PowerShot SD790 IS reviewed, predictably great
(Via Engadget.)
FinePix presents a new point & shoot camera called the FinePix Z20fd. It features a 10Mpix CCD sensor, 45MB internal memory, a 2.5’ LCD screen, support for both SDHS/SD and xD cards, and records video in VGA (640x480) at 30fps using the MPEG-4 codec. Get yours today in either black, blue, pink, or red.
(Via The Digital Camera Blog.)
Lightning Review: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW
The Gadget: The Stylus 1030SW, Olympus' semi-indestructible 10.1MP point-and-shoot, is designed for fairly extreme conditions. Olympus claims the camera is shockproof (to 2 meters), waterproof (to 10 meters), freezeproof (to 14°F), and crushproof (to 220 lbs.) We've seen other cameras with features like this, but it's rare that they're all combined into one.
The Price: $400 retail, we've seen it as low as $340.
The Verdict: It's tougher than Glass Joe, but it's no Mike Tyson.
I tested the 1030SW under fairly rigorous conditions, and for the most part it stood up to the challenge. After dropping the camera to the ground from around six feet, it took pictures without any problem. Next was the underwater test. I didn't take it to the limit, but I did bring it with me in the tub. The camera works under water, and there are options designed for capturing images of sea life. The pictures didn't come out too well, but that could be my fault as it is likely designed to shoot fish in clear water and not sitting in a bathtub, taking pictures of my...er...feet.
Things got a little trickier during the freeze and crush tests. I left it in the freezer for about two hours, and when I took it out I had a 'Battery Empty' message. Worried that I damaged the camera, I let it thaw and it came back to full power after 10-15 minutes. For the crush test, I placed all 170+ pounds of myself on top of the camera. At first I heard a little unnerving crunch, and when I picked it up, I saw what looked like a crack in the LCD screen. However, after about 15 seconds, it went away and I was left with the same crack-free screen I had when I started.
As for the pictures, they came out well for the most part. In optimal conditions, they looked great. When I was under water, or in a dimly lit room the snapshots left a little something to be desired. I was able to correct some of the shots with the various exposure options, but it's still a point-and-shoot.
If you are going on an outdoor adventure and looking for a light, easy camera to take, this is a good bet. I wouldn't recommend pushing it to the advertised limits, but it's definitely sturdier than other cameras in its price range.
(Via Gizmodo.)
We reported on the first wave of 2008 camcorders with our recent review of the very good JVC GZ-HD6. That hard disk drive 1080p video maker did a wonderful job recording accurate colors that really popped off the screen of our plasma HDTV. In keeping with the trend away from DVD- and tape-based models, the new Canon Vixia HF10 saves video to 16GB of internal flash memory as well as optional SDHC memory cards (up to 32GB, the current maximum for the format; it will handle even bigger sizes once they’re available). Given there’s not even a HDD—God forbid a tape or disc—to weigh it down, the Vixia HF10 is unbelievably small and compact. In fact it’s just a shade smaller than the Sony HDR-CX7, another high-def camcorder that only records to Memory Stick Pro Duo memory cards. You will be amazed at the size of the HF10. The fact this AVCHD edition records 1920 x 1080i video is pretty sweet too, an increase over last year’s 1440 x 1080i. Cute is good, but how does it work in the big, bad ugly world? We couldn’t wait to find out…
